Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since the country was formed in 1980 from the ashes of white-ruled Rhodesia, added he had no plans to hand over power and ruled out grooming his politically ambitious wife, Grace.

But he still defended her entry into politics and criticised people for badmouthing her.

On Thursday, spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo of the ruling ZANU-PF party announced the suspension from the party of cabinet minister Chris Mutsvangwa and several other officials on allegations of disrespecting the first lady.

Mugabe turned 92 on February 21 amid fierce squabbling in the ruling ZANU-PF party in anticipation of his succession.